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PWINSIDER Q&A: DX REUNION, KURT ANGLE AS A HEEL, RVD IN TNA AND MORE

Answered on 5/30

At this point in time, is there any hope at all that DX is going to reform after Triple H (and later on HBK) returns to the WWE or should we just forget about it?

Given that Triple H will be returning while Michaels is still on the sidelines, I have a feeling the DX bit will stay dormant for a while.  However, once Michaels is back, I would not be surprised at all to see the occasional DX pairing, complete with music and "Attitude"-style promos. 

There was a time when most wrestling websites only covered wrestling. But with the rise of MMA's popularity, I feel like they have taken out a huge chunk of wrestling's profit. Now we all know WWE made ppv what it is today, but do you think that this down-period in wrestling right now, and the upswing of MMA's popularity is not do to just coincidence? Instead, that there might be a trend toward real fighting vs. scripted fighting? (make no mistake, I love wrestling more than MMA)

I don't think it is a trend towards real fighting away from scripted fighting as it is an example of different marketing of products.  UFC has grown, and is competing for the same male demographic as WWE appeals to, so in that sense, there are only so many PPV dollars out there, and UFC is grabbing more of them.  My opinion is that WWE is their own worst enemy in this battle.  UFC's television product consists of previously seen fights, "old but never broadcast" fights that took place on PPV undercards, a reality show, and shows that are solely designed to get you to order their PPV events.  WWE is putting five hours of fresh programming on TV every week, often with at least one or two matches a week that might be considered "PPV quality".  So, fans opt not to buy the WWE PPV events (of which there are far too many, and far too many repetitive matches and stars on them), since they are getting their fill of WWE action on TV, and instead buy the "fresher" product, which is UFC. 

Now I am not one to hate on Kurt Angle, but what do you think of the idea of making Angle a heel down the line. Christian is a solid heel, Abyss is the go-to heel when they need him to be, and Styles/C. Daniels are still trying to master the heel thing. Angle's gimmick of being booked as top babyface will only last so long before the fans get weary of him being pushed so hard. He has done an amazing job in the past of being top heel in WWE, and I think that TNA is overflowing with strong faces (Rhino, Angle, Sting, Jarret, Eric, Joe). Your thoughts?

I absolutely think Kurt Angle should be turned heel at some point, and feel he would be a great heel for TNA right alongside Christian and Scott Steiner.  However, if TNA is going to go down that path, they should commit themselves to doing it, and not make it a "two month angle" where he flip-flops back and forth from heel to face. 

What real reason would RVD have to jump to TNA? If we are honest, it is less money, less national attention, less talented wrestlers (face it they have a handful of decent guys and a whole lot of castoffs from other companies). I know the hours are better, but he's a young guy that has never seemed to need the easier schedule to make him happy. Finally, to be totally honest, he isn't the same RVD from the old ECW days. His moves aren't unique anymore (I'd bet Shelton, Nitro, Kendrick, or London could do any of them just as well) and all he really has is that chant of his name while he points at himself. My question is, is he making a mistake by believing the "grass is greener on the other side". Is his career coming into the twilight or what?

Honestly, I think you are overlooking the advantages of the schedule change.  Rob Van Dam is 36, doesn't like to be away from his family, and has already suffered leg injuries that have sidelined him for extended periods twice in his career.  Would the money be less?  Probably, but he would only have to work a handful of days a month if he wanted.  If RVD really cared about national attention, he would have left ECW for WWF many years ago.  TNA is definitely a viable option for someone who is tired of the WWE grind, but still wants to make a few paychecks wrestling and has the name value of a Rob Van Dam.  

Of the remaining ECW originals (Sandman, Dreamer, Sabu, RVD, Stevie Richards) who ISN'T at the end of their career? Isn't Rick Flair's crazy run at his age leading people to believe that these, who are well past the prime of their in ring life, are still able to go in the ring at a championship level? It is kind of like when they brought ECW back isn't? Do you really think these ECW guys could carry the #1 sports entertainment company on TV? Being honest here! I mean, maybe TNA because they are bush-league right now, but not WWE right?

Considering you spelled "Ric Flair" wrong, I really shouldn't even answer your question. However, I will.  Going backwards, Rob Van Dam certainly showed he could be the "top guy" for WWE last summer, and could have done so again with the right push.  Sandman has managed to remain incredibly over with the fans, despite being booked as nothing but a midcard performer.  Can he carry the company?  No.  Can he be a popular performer and a vital part of the company? Yes.  As for being at the end of his career, Stevie Richards should just be entering his prime now.  Too bad WWE has refused to give him a chance for the last five years or so.

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